Discover Krakovec: Castle, Jan Hus and Hiking Trails

A Castle with an Unusual History

Krakovec is defined above all by Krakovec Castle. Construction began in 1381. It is one of the few transitional types between a castle and a chateau built during the reign of Václav IV. This refers to a complex that combines features of both building forms. Its location is particularly striking: the castle stands on a low spur of land above the confluence of two streams. In this way, its historical classification combines with a clearly recognizable landscape setting.

Krakovec and Jan Hus

In 1414, Jan Lefl of Lažany granted Jan Hus refuge at Krakovec. In autumn 1414, Jan Hus set out from Krakovec for Constance. Both events are part of the site's historical character and give a visit to the castle a specific connection to Bohemian history.

A monument to Master Jan Hus also commemorates him in the village itself. It was created by the sculptor Milan Vácha and the architect Rostislav Říha and installed in 2011. The combination of the castle complex and the monument makes it possible to approach history in different ways, without having to limit yourself to a single location.

Notable Details to See

The entire grounds of the Krakovec castle ruins are open for individual or guided tours. You can therefore explore the complex independently or choose a guided tour. The castle chapel has also been preserved. Its pentagonal presbytery is shaped like a large projecting oriel and is one of Krakovec's most striking architectural details.

The castle's film history also contributes to its particular renown. Krakovec was a filming location for the children's film musical “Ať žijí duchové” and individual scenes from the fairy tale “Princ a Večernice”. Anyone familiar with these titles will discover an additional cultural connection in the historic setting.

Routes to Krakovec

The nearest railway station to Krakovec is Všesulov. From there, an approximately 5 km route continues on foot along a tourist-marked trail. Marked hiking trails maintained by the Klub českých turistů also lead to Krakovec. Another indication of the time required is provided by the circular route “Rakovnický okruh na hrad Krakovec”: by car alone, it takes approximately 3.5 hours. This makes it possible to plan the route as a longer excursion. The route from Všesulov, by contrast, is an approximately 5 km tourist-marked trail on foot. This makes the duration and distance of the routes separately clear for planning your own day.

Landscape Near the Castle

The natural area around Krakovec includes the registered significant landscape feature of Nový Dvůr. It comprises a flat valley of a headwater branch of the Krakovský potok and two unmanaged ponds. Thus, alongside the architectural and local history, a clearly designated landscape with watercourses and ponds is also available for travel planning.

Discover More Destinations

If you would like to compare more destinations for your travel planning, you can find Lišany, Slabce, Velká Buková, Bdín, Krusovice, Rynholec, Řeřichy and Milostín here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Okres Rakovník.